Caswell Memorial State Park in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-11. Check linked official notices before travel.

Caswell Memorial State Park near Ripon, California, protects a stretch of oak woodland along the Stanislaus River. Come for a shaded trail walk or book a campsite. Flood damage has closed parts of the park, so check access to the trail, beach or campsite you plan to use.

Oak canopy beside the Stanislaus

Old valley oaks shade the paths and campsites. The Loop Nature Trail is an accessible option if it is open, and the day-use area puts you close to the river.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Watch the river and the trees

The Stanislaus has deep holes, steep banks and dangerous currents. There is no lifeguard. Wear a life jacket while boating or rafting. The state also warns that large branches can fall unexpectedly in summer.

Use the routes open to dogs and bikes

Keep dogs on leashes of six feet or less and out of the river, beaches and trails. Ride bicycles on paved roads or fire roads. Riders under 18 need an approved helmet. In the campground, light campfires only in the provided rings. Gathering firewood is prohibited.

Book an oak-shaded campsite

Open the Reservation Availability section on the Caswell Memorial State Park page. Select a date and look for Caswell Memorial Campground. Follow the ReserveCalifornia link to check your dates and complete the booking, or call 800-444-7275. A campsite holds up to eight people and two vehicles. One vehicle is included in the reservation and the second incurs an overnight vehicle fee. Quiet hours are 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Run generators only between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Take South Austin Road from Highway 99

Take the Austin Road exit and follow the road south to 28000 South Austin Road, Ripon, CA 95366. Use the state park infosheet for a map and the rules for your activity.

Nearby state park stops

• Dos Rios. Use Shiloh Road outside Modesto. The park opens Friday through Sunday.
• George J. Hatfield State Recreation Area. Use the North Kelly Road entrance in Hilmar. The Loop Trail is closed. Check current park notices before going.

Walk through the oaks or fish the river

Walk the woodland trails to see how the oak canopy changes near the river. Anglers may find bass, catfish and crappie. A California fishing license is required from age 16.

Accessible trail and day-use parking

The day-use lot has accessible parking. California State Parks identifies the Loop Nature Trail as accessible and offers a beach wheelchair. Call before your visit to check the route and arrange wheelchair use.

A remnant of river oak woodland

The Caswell family's land donation

Thomas Caswell wanted the river forest to survive. His children and grandchildren donated land in 1950, and the park opened to visitors in 1958.

A refuge for the riparian brush rabbit

The woodland supports the endangered riparian brush rabbit. Red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks are among the birds you may see above the trees.

Contact the park

Call Caswell at 209-599-3810 Thursday through Sunday. From Monday through Wednesday, call Dos Rios at 209-596-9032 for Caswell information.